Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

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What is the overall size of the school?

For 2024-2025, we have 703 students enrolled in grades 9 through 12.
What are your average class sizes?

The average classroom size is 23 students with a teacher.
Can we still be considered for admission if my family is not Catholic or my child attends a public school?

Absolutely. St. Francis High School admits Catholic and non-Catholic students.
Does SFHS consider students with different types of learning needs?

Yes. SFHS selects students with varying academic abilities, from those who are gifted to students who have not yet reached their academic potential.

For a student to have an accommodation plan put in place at SFHS, he/she must have an IEP or 504/Accommodation Plan in place or a psychoeducational report completed. Accommodations offered at SFHS include: no scantron tests, extended time (up to time and a half), alternate testing location, preferential seating, dividing longer assignments into more manageable pieces, and providing copy of notes/study guides/outlines. SFHS does not modify curriculum, nor do we have special services.

A copy of the IEP or 504/Accommodation Plan must be uploaded to the Admissions Portal in order for the application to be complete.
We have discovered schools in the Diocese of Joliet hold the Entrance Exam on the same day – what should we do?

The most important thing you can do is to try to decide where you want your child to attend as early as possible. Most schools, including SFHS, give priority consideration to students who take the entrance exam at their school. We encourage you to take the test at SFHS.

Applying to SFHS

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I am interested in applying to SFHS. What is the first step?

We are happy to hear that you are interested in applying!

The first step is to complete our inquiry form. Upon submitting the form, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your Admissions Portal account. The email will include your Admissions Portal username and password. We recommend saving your username and password so that you can return to the portal in the future to complete additional steps in the admission process.
I completed the inquiry form but cannot access the Admission Portal. What should I do?

Please contact our office at admissions@sfhscollegeprep.org to have the welcome email resent or to reset your password.
What is the Admission Portal?

The Admission Portal allows applicants to apply and manage their application online. Important application checklist items can be managed in one location. All checklist items will appear in a list on your application. Once all the required checklist items are submitted, the application is finished.
When does my application need to be completed?

Incoming Freshman – To be considered in the main admission season, all application materials must be received and completed prior to December 5, 2024. The application also registers the student for the Entrance Exam on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Applications received after this date are encouraged and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Transfer Students – Offers of admission are made on a rolling basis, as space permits.
Are late applications considered?

Late applications are considered on a space available basis, after those submitted by the application deadline. Late applicants may also be less likely to be able to get first-choice electives in the scheduling process. Financial Aid may still be available to late applicants, depending on the date of application and the applicant’s circumstances.
How do you make your admission decisions?

Each candidate’s application will be reviewed by the Admissions Review Committee. First and foremost, each applicant must show promise of success in our academic program. To assess this, we look closely at school transcripts, testing results, and extracurricular involvement.
How and when do we receive admissions decisions?

To receive an admissions decision, all admission requirements must be completed on your checklist. Admissions decisions will be communicated within two weeks of receipt of a completed application.
Can I transfer in as a current high school student?

Yes. We do accept transfer students based on their academic performance (e.g. you must have at least a “B” average) as well as a good attendance and discipline record. Please see the Apply page for step-by-step details on the admissions process.
What happens after my child is accepted?

Once you complete registration and pay your tuition deposit, your child is officially enrolled at SFHS!
If my child is on the waitlist this year, do I need to reapply next year?

Applications do not carryover from previous years. Your student will need to complete a new application process and provide new supplemental materials. It is important to see the student’s progress year after year.

Affording SFHS

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Does SFHS have any merit scholarships?

The Spartan Scholars Award is a merit-based scholarship for the top 10 scores on the Entrance Exam for incoming freshman. All other scholarships are made on the basis of demonstrated need. No adjustments are made based on athletic merit.
Does SFHS offer financial aid and scholarships?

Yes. SFHS offers tuition assistance to families that might not otherwise afford an SFHS education, as well as families that are experiencing temporary financial difficulties. Currently, 27% of our students receive SFHS tuition assistance averaging $3,500.

St. Francis High School awards financial aid based on a family’s demonstrated financial need in accordance with guidelines established by FACTS. If you have any questions about financial aid, please call the Business Office at (630) 668-5800 for more details. Most importantly, do not allow your financial situation to deter you from applying to SFHS.

A separate application is required. All tuition assistance applicants must apply at online.factsmgt.com. In addition, scholarship applicants must fill out the Scholarship Application, which can be found here.
If we receive a financial aid award, will we have to pay it back?

No. All tuition assistance is in the form of grants and scholarships and do not have to be repaid.
Will applying for financial aid hurt our chances of admission?

No. We make our admission decisions separately and prior to evaluating families’ financial need. SFHS is committed to enrolling the most dynamic student body possible, regardless of families’ ability to pay the full tuition.

We are here to help, please contact us with any questions

List of 3 members.

Patrick Jacobsen

Director of Admissions

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Beth Wiborg

Assistant Director of Admissions, Director of International Student Program

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Karla Dannheim

Main Office Associate, Shadow Day Program Coordinator

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